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Do you have personal knowledge and/or experience in the mental health system, private or public, and want to share them? Have an opinion on current developments or news in the areas of mental health and wellness? Do you want to share your thoughts on a personal story?

Then YOU could be our next GUEST BLOGGER! (P.S. no experience necessary)

Just this week I spoke to a grandfather who was looking for help for his seventeen-year old grandson who had recently experienced a psychotic episode. That led me to think about early identification and intervention and what that means practically to families and to individuals, including kids and young adults in distress.

We encourage early identification and intervention in all kinds of situations where our health is at stake. If we suddenly get out of breath walking up a flight of stairs or doing an activity that previously hadn’t caused us any problems we will often think, I should get checked out, just to be sure. Or, for women, if someone feels a lump in her breast, the best course of action is to get it checked out as soon as possible to see if its breast cancer. It’s a serious illness and it deserves a serious response from her health care providers. We act quickly because the earlier we get the situation evaluated and if necessary get treatment, the better the prognosis is for recovery.

It’s no different for your mental health. The earlier we intervene, the better the prognosis. This is especially true for young people who may experience a first-time psychotic episode in their life. This kind of distress can be scary for the individual and family members. Oftentimes it’s not clear what’s going on with the person or how to help and work with the individual to identify a course of action.

Research has shown that First Episode Psychosis programs can make a real difference in the recovery of the young adult. Many of the FEP programs implement what is called Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC). CSC-FEP programs are tailored to the individual through: case management, medication management, psychotherapy, family education and support, supported education, supported employment and peer support. The research shows us that young adults want to have the same opportunities as their peers and they will continue in treatment if it helps them meet their life goals.

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) has put together on what are called First Episode Psychosis (FEP) programs in states across the country. With SAMHSA's Early Serious Mental Illness Treatment Locator, finding high quality treatment will be faster and easier. Now more than ever, we can help connect people with early serious mental illness to treatment they need to recover. Just click the link above and enter Connecticut to find programs here in our state.

This is early intervention at its best.

To read about some of the initiatives that NAMI is leading, click HERE.

If you or someone you know needs support on this issue or others related to mental health, please check out NAMI Connecticut support groups at www.namict.org.

Nowadays it seems everyone solicits opinions on any number of issues through online surveys and other opportunities. One can make his or her thoughts known about restaurants, food choices, music and theater events, and many more options from our daily lives. People want to know what we think.

Well, here we are just a few weeks away from our local and state elections which will take place on November 6th; the greatest opportunity to be make our opinions heard. Yet, ironically, some people sit out the election cycle. They’re convinced their vote doesn’t or won’t make a difference, or they fail to register in time to have their voices heard. Please don’t be one of those folks.

I remember I couldn’t wait to turn age 18 so I could vote, and I still feel that excitement on voting day. I usually vote early in the day, so I can have that cool “I voted” sticker on my lapel all day. I love that people get to choose who has the power to act on their behalf. I may not always agree with the outcome, but that doesn’t diminish my intent to vote again the next time.

What’s more, having been in the field of health and mental health for well over 25 years now, I’ve come to see that there is so much that goes on that is impacted by our elected officials. They set budget priorities and determine agency funding. They pass legislation on supportive housing, benefits, employment and educational programs, caregiver support, and other important issues and programs that directly impact individuals with lived experience and family members.

Our elected officials decide what’s important in mental health and what’s not. That’s the reason it’s critical that everyone for whom mental health is a priority vote. Make your voice heard and support mental health champions who understand and will fight for legislation and funding that improves the lives of people touched by mental health conditions.

In order to vote you must be REGISTERED. Here in Connecticut it’s easy to register. You can do so either online by visiting https://voterregistration.ct.gov/ or in person at your local town registrar of voters which is usually located in your town hall. The last day to register online or for your registration to be received in the mail is October 30th. You can also register and then vote on election day in Connecticut! Contact the registrar of voters in your town for locations where you can register on November 6th. So, there’s no reason not to vote.

Once you’re registered you’ll find out where you can go to cast your ballot. Join all of others who want to be heard; who feel it’s imperative that our legislators make mental health a priority. We want to help guide solutions and decisions and one of the best ways to do that is to vote.

NAMI Connecticut believes that mental health conditions and the lives of all people touched by them are important to discuss year-round but highlighting them during Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice. Since 1990, when Congress officially established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), advocates have worked together to sponsor activities, large or small, to educate the public about mental illness.

This year I’ve been thinking about what it means to have a “Call to Action” during MIAW.

I hear that phrase a lot. Best I can understand it, a Call to Action is a rallying cry; it inspires you to do something. For example, “get out and vote,” "call your legislator today,” “donate now.”

But can a Call to Action be broad and somewhat diffuse? I wonder, because one of the key tenets NAMI Connecticut is built upon is ensuring “a life in the community for everyone.” We talk about this as a fundamental goal of the work we do. It’s about inclusion, dignity, home, humanity. Isn't that what we want to bring to the forefront for MIAW in 2019?

I’ve come to see a life in the community as something different than a goal of our organization; something ‘out there’ that we strive for. I think it is a Call to Action for our organization. It animates everything we do.

What we do - support, education, and advocacy - is about people having a life in the community; a life they define. Think about it. What’s the point if it’s not about everyone we serve experiencing the community they want; the shared experience they strive for, we all strive for, in their congregation, school, housing, and a myriad other such communities. That is our purpose, our Call to Action.

I invite you to join me in responding to this Call to Action. Join me at NAMI Connecticut. I welcome you to find a place with us as we continue building a life in the community for so many still in need.

What is Stigma? Why is it a Problem?Stigma is when someone, or even you yourself, views a person in a negative way just because they have a mental health condition. Some people describe stigma as a feeling of shame or judgement from someone else. Stigma can even come from an internal place, confusing feeling bad with being bad.

One in 5 Americans is affected by mental health conditions. Stigma is toxic to their mental health because it creates an environment of shame, fear and silence that prevents many people from seeking help and treatment. The perception of mental illness won’t change unless we act to change it.

Campaign manifesto: There’s a virus spreading across America. It harms the 1 in 5 Americans affected by mental health conditions. It shames them into silence. It prevents them from seeking help. And in some cases, it takes lives. What virus are we talking about? It’s stigma. Stigma against people with mental health conditions. But there’s good news. Stigma is 100% curable. Compassion, empathy and understanding are the antidote. Your voice can spread the cure. Join NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Together we can #CureStigma.

Have you been infected by stigma? Take a 3 question, multiple choice quiz to find out and get a free gift to help spread the cure.

Earlier this year we talked about the importance of eating lots of fruits and vegetables for general good health. Since then, we read about research that is important for those who smoke cigarettes and particularly those who have quit smoking. The research study is in the European Respiratory Journal, December 2017. It’s about vegetables and fruits improving lung function.

The study was conducted in three countries with 680 people. The smoking habits and fruit and vegetable consumption of the participants were studied. The more fruits and vegetables eaten the better the participant’s lungs functioned. It was found that dietary oxidants contribute to restoring damage in the lungs due to smoking. The biggest benefit was seen for those who no longer smoke.

Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and lots of phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are plant chemicals that promote health. In this study four foods made a difference in the health of the lungs of former smokers. The lungs were healthier in those who ate these foods. Inflammation in the lungs was improved. The foods were apples, bananas, tomatoes and herbal teas. These are all foods that are inexpensive, well liked and readily available. It is easy to add them to your diet every day.

Other fruits and vegetables also have flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin C. It is not surprising that apples, bananas, tomatoes and herbal teas stood out in the study, since they are very common and would show up in the most people’s diets. We believe eating a variety of fruits and vegetables will improve lung function, not just these 4 foods. Just as we mentioned last month, the more vegetables and fruits you eat every day, the healthier you will be.

Note that you cannot get these benefits from supplements. It is the foods that make the difference! For example: tomato products which include juice, sauces and salsas are one of the richest sources of lycopene, lutein, xanthine, minerals, vitamin C, and more. The interactions among the many phytonutrients and nutrients in the tomato cannot be duplicated with a pill.

Jon quit smoking a little over a month ago. He is taking this research to heart and eating 1 banana a day and drinking low sodium tomato juice. He also eats apples and drinks herbal tea. He says that these foods are not difficult to include in his diet. He reports feeling better and is determined to not start smoking again. How did he stop? He got the flu and couldn’t smoke. Note from Marilyn: he has had other times when he couldn’t smoke but went back to it, so this is an important decision on his part to take advantage of this opportunity.

The higher the fruit and vegetable consumption the better lungs function!

PLEASE NOTE: Information on healthy eating, as well as other healthy lifestyle changes to enhance you or your loved one’s mental health are regularly discussed at NAMI Education Classes and NAMI Support Groups!

The Office of Minority Health (part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) is proud to announce that April is National Minority Health Month: “National Minority Health Month is observed every year in April to highlight the health disparities that persist among racial and ethnic minority populations and the ways in which legislation, policies and programs can help advance health equity.”

The theme of National Minority Health Month for April 2018 is: Partnering for Health Equity. The goal is to have members of the minority community be able to access health supports and services as easily and effectively as everyone else. By partnering with other community stakeholders, we hope to eliminate physical as well as cultural barriers in accessing care.

And as we all know; mental health is a key component of overall health. And, we know that stigma prevents many from coming forward to access mental health services, including individuals in minority communities putting them sometimes at a greater disadvantage to maximize their overall health. In fact, statistics show that individuals of color access mental health services at a lower rate than is true of others in the population.

According to NAMI.org: Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender or identity. Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness regardless of their background. However, background and identity can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. Taking on the challenges of mental health conditions, health coverage and the stigma of mental illness requires all of us. In many communities, these problems are increased by less access to care, cultural stigma and lower quality care.

For more information about National Minority Health Month, including how to get involved, email updates, and downloadable graphics, please CLICK HERE.

According to a study published February 1st, 2018, in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) Psychiatry, young people who have been newly diagnosed with a mental health condition that includes psychosis are at a much higher risk of death. The main causes of death listed were typically injuries or poisoning, and typically occurred within the first 2 years of diagnosis.

Shockingly, within the first year, the adolescents and young adults who were included in the study were found to be EIGHT TIMES more likely to die than the control group!

The researchers stated: “Our findings support the importance of systematic early intervention for young people experiencing the first onset of psychosis. Strong evidence supports the effectiveness of coordinated specialty care programs for improving clinical outcomes.”

Jessica Pollard, PhD, Clinical Director at the YALE Specialized Treatment Early in Psychosis (STEP) Program states: "We are fortunate to have … the privilege of seeing time and time again how recovery from psychotic disorders is possible."

One of the key components of recovery can be support groups, and NAMI Connecticut offers several types of support groups for both people in recovery, as well as their caregivers get information as well as support, including young adult peer support groups.

For more information about local support groups in Connecticut, please visit:

Every January many of us make resolutions to eat better. Our decision is often based on the desire to weigh less. Of course being a healthful weight is desirable, but what is more important?

Take a minute and reflect on what being healthy means to you. Does it mean a better quality of life? Take another minute to consider how food impacts your health and quality of life. Do you like hiking, playing games or swimming? Whatever you enjoy, food is essential to both your physical health and your mental health.

Interestingly, your heart and mind, two of the most important organs in your body require the same nutrients to work at optimum capacity. I bet you can name the foods that are required for good health. Yes, you are correct: vegetables, fruits, low fat dairy, whole grains, legumes, lean meats, fish, beans and nuts. These foods contain the phytochemicals, fiber, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals necessary for a strong body. This healthy eating style is also low in saturated fat, Trans fat, cholesterol and added sugar.

The difficult part of this eating plan is that it calls for you to eat little red meat, sweets, salty snack foods and sugary drinks. This is difficult because as we all know once you open that bag of chips or box of cookies; it is very hard to control how much you eat. What do you do? How do you make changes to what you eat?

First you must decide (and only you can make this decision) that you want to eat more healthful. Next, when shopping do not buy any foods that are not healthful. If the foods are not in the house, you can’t eat them.

What to buy? Vegetables and fruits - whatever is on sale. An apple does keep the doctor away. Baby carrots take no preparation. Fruits and vegetables take time to eat. You cannot eat a lot of calories in a few minutes. More important, they provide lots of fiber, vitamins and minerals and phytochemicals that protect your body and mind from harmful substances.

There are more than 4000 phytochemicals identified to date. The benefits of phytochemicals depend on eating 5 to 9 servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day. Every day make a habit of counting the number of servings of vegetables and fruits you eat, making sure to reach at least 5 servings. A serving is ½ cup or a medium size vegetable/fruit.

Jonathan, who is a NAMI peer member, recommends a vegetarian diet and green tea. When shopping, he says buy bananas, mangoes and berries for their high nutrient content and phytochemicals. They are not inexpensive foods, but they are important to his health. A bag of cookies or chips are also expensive. However, they contribute no important nutrients to your body.

For the New Year eat more fruits and vegetables!

PLEASE NOTE: Information on healthy eating, as well as other healthy lifestyle changes to enhance you or your loved one’s mental health are regularly discussed at NAMI Education Classes and NAMI Support Groups! Please visit:

The Holiday Season can be a time filled with joy, love and family for some people. For others, however, it can also be a time of stress, loneliness, anxiety and depression; especially if you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health challenge.

There are ways to navigate your way through this potentially trying time. The following is a not-exclusive list of things you can do that can help you have the best Holiday experience possible:

Be social - within reason. Let’s face it, sometimes we are simply too exhausted to attend yet ANOTHER holiday party. If your personal energy gauge is on empty, take care of yourself first. Even taking a brief nap so that you can arrive late, but refreshed, can make a huge difference; both for you, as well as the folks who you ultimately interact with.

Don’t Overspend. The over commercialization of the holiday season has been lamented for decades, yet retail America still assaults us every year with an endless list of gifts and “must have” items. The reality is most folks over the age of 15 just really want to see YOU, and not receive some present they might not even need, at a holiday get-together.

Don’t Overindulge. If you know there will be lots of high-calorie, less-than-healthy food and drink at your next social gathering, eat a light meal of healthy food right before you go. Then feel free to nibble on snacks and desserts in moderation, as opposed to arriving so famished your consume more than should before you even realize it. And if you drink alcohol, alternate every alcoholic drink with a full glass of water or non-alcoholic beverage; your head will thank you in the morning!

Steer clear of challenging people. If you know that there may be someone attending a social function who invariably says something that makes you feel bad, do the best you can to avoid the person. If you do need to interact, be polite, but come prepared to disengage if the conversation becomes uncomfortable. Your mental health comes first!

Exercise. Even if it is simply a 10-minute brisk walk around the block, exercise has been known to help improve your mood. Fresh air and sunshine have been scientifically proven to elevate the feel-good neurotransmitters in your brain, so do your best to get outside whenever you can and get that blood flowing.

Reach out. If you find that you aren’t in a good place or just want to maintain feeling good, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Whether it be a close friend, a loving family member, or your local support group; sometimes the best gift that others can give is compassionate understanding, a non-judgmental ear, or positive reinforcement.

NAMI Connecticut has more than 40 support groups across the state. For a list of support groups, including those for young adults as well as family members, and information on our Resource and Referral call-in line, be sure to check out the NAMI Connecticut website - www.namict.org

Have a Safe & Happy Holiday Season!

Recovery is a non-linear process, and different for everyone. It is not a destination, but a new beginning; a journey which needs to be nurtured, and thrives when talked about with caring people who have walked a similar path.

Some thoughts from folks in recovery:

“You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be.”

“Often it's the deepest pain which empowers you to grow into your highest self.”

“My recovery must come first so that everything I love in life does not have to come last.”

“In 2014, I stumbled upon an organization that not only helped me shed my fear of disclosure, but also gave my family our long-awaited sigh of relief. I found NAMI. I had never experienced an organization that was public about their mission concerning mental health. NAMI gives individuals and families the opportunity to get support and education as well as a platform for advocating for themselves and others. Even though I was working on my issues, it was primarily done behind closed doors. NAMI blew that concept wide open.”

Recovery thrives where there is support, and needs to be nurtured. That's why NAMI Connecticut feels that providing peer support is so important and why we continue to grow our peer support groups. NAMI Connecticut offers their NAMI Connection support groups for people in recovery from mental health challenges. These peer-led groups are led by trained support group facilitators with lived experience, who are in recovery. There are groups for the general public, as well as groups for young adults, as well as for Veterans. Information on when and where these groups meet can be found HERE.

The subject of suicide can be a difficult topic to discuss with a loved one, friend or family member who may be struggling with an overwhelming life event, addiction issue, or dealing with a mental health challenge. But it can be lifesaving to someone if you take the time to express concern, and refer them to the proper resources. There are many courses available (often free or low-cost) which can train you on what to look for, and more importantly what to SAY and what to DO if you suspect someone is contemplating suicide. There is Mental Health First Aid, which is a course put forth by the National Council on Behavioral Health (and delivered by NAMI Connecticut, and other agencies within the state of Connecticut). There is also QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training from the QPR Institute, which is offered locally by NAMI Manchester, as well as other organizations.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website www.afsp.org has some wonderful resources that both educate and assist you in having the conversation with someone who you think may be at risk.

NAMI Connecticut also offers their “Ending the Silence” (ETS) training courses to Middle & High School age children, as well as first year college students. ETS is a prevention and early intervention program that engages youth in a discussion about mental health and suicide prevention. There is also a companion course for Teachers and staff.

And for caregivers who wish to know more about the various types of mental illness, medications, and coping skills, NAMI Connecticut offers their free “Family-to-Family” courses, which are available now.

Also, be sure to check out the NAMI (National) website - www.nami.org for more information on educational, crisis and awareness raising resources.

September is National Recovery Month! Every September, the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sponsors Recovery Month to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate the people who recover. The annual theme is: Join the Voices for Recovery: Strengthen Families and Communities.

Also, be sure to check out the NAMI Connecticut website - www.namict.org for information on NAMI Connection support groups for people in recovery across the state.

NAMI Connection support groups meet weekly for 90 minutes and are led by peer facilitators who are experienced in living well with mental illness. Connection participants meet across the state in casual, but confidential groups to discuss their personal challenges with recovery, share coping strategies and offer one another support and understanding.

NAMI’s Support Groups are unique because they follow a structured model to ensure you and others in the group have an opportunity to be heard and to get what you need. The groups meet on a bi-weekly or weekly basis.

NAMI Connection support groups are offered for people in recovery, as well as specific groups for both young adults (ages (18 - 29 years old), and for veterans.

According to one participant: “NAMI Connection has enabled me to take a good look at my illness and see that I am not alone. The program has given me additional tools to not only accept my illness, but to help others along the way.”

When most people think about anxiety, they picture the typical nervousness folks experience before taking a test at school, or perhaps speaking in public. Their pulse may quicken a bit, their face may feel a bit flushed, they may have “butterflies in their stomach,” but that is about it. It is a temporary feeling, and is generally considered to be a normal human reaction.

For some people though, anxiety rises to the point where a person’s ability to work or lead a normal life is impacted. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the U.S. the estimated lifetime prevalence of any anxiety disorder is over 15%, while the 12-month prevalence is more than 10%.

For example, if a child is so anxious about going to school that they regularly cannot get out the door on time, it may be time to see a mental health professional. If a person avoids socializing with friends because the thought of being around people makes them feel lightheaded and nauseous, this may be cause for concern. Worse, if a person feels these sorts of symptoms WITHOUT a triggering event, then a conversation with a medical professional is may be warranted.

Let’s take a closer look at Panic Disorder. This disorder is known for the occurrence of “panic attacks” which is when the body’s “fight or flight” response kicks into overdrive, seemingly for no apparent reason. People who experience this describe feelings of imminent death, being unable to breathe properly, having sweaty palms and/or tingling hands or feet, of feeling pain in their chest and the belief that their racing heart will suddenly stop and they will die. In other words, an abject feeling of terror; again, coming on without warning after no apparent triggering event.

Treatment for Anxiety Disorders

There are common medical treatments for anxiety disorders. Medication, such as simple antidepressants like Lexapro or Prozac can be effective. Sometimes, anticonvulsant medicines (typically taken for epilepsy) and low-dose antipsychotic drugs can be utilized in conjunction with antidepressants. Other medications can include benzodiazepines (such as Klonopin, Xanax, Librium, Valium, etc.), or opioids (OxyContin, Vicodin, codeine, morphine, etc.). Care however must be taken, as these sorts of medications can become addictive.

Other, non-pharmacological interventions can be employed as well and include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), meditation, mindfulness, breathing exercises, or even yoga. If the person has had a traumatic event in their past which acts as a trigger to their anxiety disorder, there are also therapies which can address and defuse trauma: EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), art therapy, and even trauma informed yoga. Some folks have even had good results with therapy animals, such as dogs, cats, horses, or even guinea pigs or rabbits. Positive changes in diet and exercise have also proven to be beneficial.

Bottom Line

If you or a loved one is experiencing an anxiety disorder, treatment is readily available. And if you would like to learn more, check out the NAMI Connecticut website - www.namict.org for articles and fact sheets on anxiety disorders. And, consider attending one of the many free NAMI Connecticut support groups across the state.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that is often associated with children. About nine percent of children aged 3 to 17 are diagnosed with this chronic condition. Though childhood is the most common time for a diagnosis of ADHD, about four percent of adults also have the condition. In fact, according to the National Resource Center on ADHD (CHADD), 75 percent of children who have ADHD also have symptoms that affect their adult lives.

When our son was struggling with bipolar disorder, our family and the life we knew was turned upside-down. We were fortunate in that not long after he was diagnosed, we discovered NAMI. But it was only after our son was truly solid in his recovery did we begin participating in the annual NAMI Connecticut Walk. We shouldn’t have waited. However, up until that point we were afraid, afraid of being judged, afraid of being shunned. We didn’t realize how liberating the Walk experience would be; surrounded by approximately 1,000 others just like us: parents, children, relatives, friends, providers; and people in recovery. Folks with who we could share our story, without feeling shame, who “got it.” We realized we were truly not alone, that everyone knew someone who may have struggled with (or is still struggling with) a mental health condition. And it was OK.

You really felt it in your heart what it meant to know “You (us!) are not alone.” We left that first Walk energized and full of hope for the future, knowing that we were part of something bigger, a real community of caring people.

The NAMI Family is just that. People who understand and accept you, regardless of your story, regardless of the pain, regardless of any shame you may have felt. And in the NAMI Connecticut support groups (all free!), you learn to reject the stigma and discrimination that can hold you or your loved one down. These support groups are for caregivers, family, friends, anyone who cares for or about someone struggling with a mental health condition. They are facilitated by trained folks who have lived personal experience in caring for family with a mental health condition

There are also support groups for people working on their recovery, facilitated by trained people with mental health conditions that have navigated the often times confusing public and/or private mental health systems here in Connecticut.

We even have support groups for parents of school-aged children, the NAMI-CAN Support Groups (Child and Adolescent Network). Again, the facilitators are parents with experience in raising children with mental health conditions, as well as experience in dealing with their local school systems in providing any special accommodations for children.

Bottom line: don’t be afraid, and don’t be ashamed; come out to our support groups. Find help, find hope!

Arlington, Va.—NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has released a new video series aimed at helping college bound students and their families talk about mental health. The videos are part of the “Starting the Conversation: College and Your Mental Health” guide NAMI and the Jed Foundation released last year. Approximately 75% of mental health conditions begin by age 24, making college a critical time to focus on mental health, especially as students transition away from their support systems.

NAMI Connecticut is proud to participate in this year’s Mental Health Month. From our exciting NAMI Connecticut WALK, to film screenings, concerts, book discussions, webinars and more, we celebrate this important time in May with many different events designed to not only raise awareness around mental health challenges, but also help eliminate the stigma that can be wrongly associated with these conditions.

Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition, as 1 in 5 U.S. adults will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. However, everyone is affected or impacted by mental illness through friends, family and/or co-workers.

Throughout May, NAMI Connecticut, our local Affiliates, Community Partners, and NAMI Members also aim to provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care. And every year, the movement grows stronger. And we want YOU to join us!

Help us spread the word through the many awareness, support and advocacy activities; for a complete list of events happening in Connecticut during Mental Health Month, please click here. There is something for everyone!

Anxiety disorders can cause such distress that it interferes with your ability to lead a normal life. For people who have it, worry and fear are constant and overwhelming, and can be disabling. But with a variety of interventions available, both medical and other, many people can manage those feelings and get back to a fulfilling life. Seeking treatment will help you and your loved ones live a better life.

NAMI Walk for Mental Health Awareness - Hartford, CT. This year, NAMI Connecticut invites you to join us in Hartford at beautiful Bushnell Park for our annual fundraiser dedicated to mental health awareness and services. Slated to get underway on Saturday, May 20th, the 2017 NAMI Connecticut Walk is our largest fundraiser of the year. The money raised goes right back into providing the community you love with the crucial mental health programs, services and resources it needs.

As we celebrate Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, NAMI Connecticut wants to take this opportunity to increase our readers' understanding of autism. While a great deal has become known in recent years, more research is needed to develop a greater appreciation for its nuances, challenges and solutions. Here's what we know now about this incredibly diverse disorder.